What is primogeniture?

It is a rule of inheritance where the eldest son has the exclusive right to succeed the father, common in European and some Hindu kingdoms but absent in Mughals.

Did the Mughals follow Primogeniture? Succession Analysis (UPSC PYQ)

ID: MED_MUG_PYQ_114 Ref: Satish Chandra, Medieval India

Assertion (A): Aurangzeb succeeded Shah Jahan to the Mughal throne. Reason (R): The law of primogeniture was followed.

AI Quick Summary (View Answer)

Correct Option: C

Aurangzeb succeeded Shah Jahan after winning a war of succession against his brothers. The Mughals did not follow the law of primogeniture; instead, the throne was usually won by the prince with the strongest military and political support.